Novatac 120p

[AWGD8]

Hey guys, I`m contemplating on buying a 120P.
I used to own a P3D Rebel 100. I`ve heard that Rebel outhrows the 120P for hotspot, but the 120P outshines the REBEL for it`s unique useable spill/hotspot combo and versatility. I don`t know if this is true, but I might got spoiled by the P3D and end up disappointing myself for getting
the 120P.

Is there someone you guys know who upgrades a 120P led to CREE Q5?

Do you guys think there will be a new Novatac coming this 1st quarter of 2008 with better or higher lumen?

 

[qadsan]

My O-light T10 Q5 is brighter than our 120P's and it also out-throws our 120P's in terms of distance, but these lights have two very different beams. I also had somebody come over to my house to buy one of my extra new 120P's. He had a Fenix Rebel 100 and his Rebel was a bit brighter than my 120P. But the 120P is still my favorite and most used light I own. And teh guy who came over to my house with his Fenix Rebel ended up buying a 120P from me even though his Rebel 100 was slightly brighter.

Some of the many reason I like my 120P so much are because...

- It's the most versatile light I own
- It may not be my brightest since cell 123 light, but its no slouch on brighness.
- It has 4 user programmed presets that can be programmed from a wide choice of brighness levels and signal choices.
- The four user presets can quickly be accessed with simple clicks from the rear button.
- The beam is a nice combo of throw and spill / very smooth and useful.
- I like the slight hour glass shape of the tail section and its thicker lody size, both of which are useful to me in a compact light.
- I like the clip and find it very useful in the real world.
- I like that this light tail stands as a candle
- This light is built like a tank, very tough!
- Useful programming options (i.e. progammable button, lockout, etc)
- Lifetime warranty
- Excellent aftermarket support (Ti clips, SS & Ti bezels, UCL and Sapphire lenses, glow rings, etc).


Not everybody is going to like this light let alone choose it as their favorite, but we get lots of real world use from our 120P's whether we're using them for off road events or even at home such as when shutting down the horses, locking the gates, etc. If you're uncertain, I would suggest hooking up with another CPF'r with a Novatac that's local to you (if possible) to see the light first hand. On the new extra 120P's that I sold to people coming over to my house, I always had them compare various lights with the 120P so they pretty much knew what they're getting. I didn't want anybody buying this light from me for the wrong reasons such as thinking its the brighest 123 light, etc.

 

[jzmtl]

It's a bit fat for comfortable pants pocket carry, but the clip is great to clip on belt. However the clip feels a bit flimsy, so I'm not sure on its durability. The brightness is plenty, if you need any more you really should carry a bigger 2+ cell light. The hotspot is a bit smaller than P3D if I recall.

 

[Oddjob]

It's a bit fat for comfortable pants pocket carry,...

I pocket carry all my EDC's so I guess I've gotten used to it. Most of my pants have a fifth pocket so my EDC rides in there fairly comfortably.

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy AWGD8,
I think qadsan pretty much nailed the reasons why most folks purchase and EDC their NovaTac lights. In it's stock form it is certainly not the brightest light available, but it's been bright enough for all my EDC needs so far, and for sheer versatility it just can't be beat. Simply an excellent all around pocket light that I've carried everyday for the last 6 months.

You can see how it compares to a Fenix PD3 Q5 or an Olight T 10/20 Q5 by going here:
http://lightreviews.info/reviews.html
This a nice review site that lets you do side by side comparisons of specs. and beamshots of all the lights which have been reviewed to date.

Now, if you are interested in having a NovaTac updated with a Q5 emitter, you might contact CPF member whc. I believe he has done a number of those and might be able to help you in that direction, however I will say that one of the things I love about the NovaTac 120P is the gorgeous beam it throws using it's Seoul P4 emitter.

Happy hunting!

 

[joema]

Hey guys, I`m contemplating on buying a 120P.
I used to own a P3D Rebel 100...

I have a P3D Q5 and an HDS U60 upgraded with an SSC P4 emitter (about 120 lumens).

They are both great lights. The P3D Q5 is very bright, and with AW RCR123A rechargeable cells, the low output is dim enough. Lighthound also has red filters and diffuser cones that fit the P3D.

However if I had only one light, it would probably be the HDS (similar to Novatac 120P). It's just a great combination of size, output, beam design and versatility.

 

[Hodsta]

Even if you upgrade the Novatac to a Q5 you may still be dissapointed - the throw/hotspot is much more a function of the beam profile produced by the reflector than the pure lumen output.

I would get a stock 120P and if you are not blown away by the functionality of the unit and the useful beam, flip it on B/S/T for very little loss.

 

[AWGD8]

Thanks guys for the response- I do like a dependable light that built like a tank w/ Lifetime Warranty.

The best led tint that I like is the REBEL 100 - 200 emitter LUMEN P3D. I just don`t like the body that came with it.

 

[xevious]

I wouldn't take a chance of mucking up this light by switching out the emitter. First of all, you'll void the warranty. But most of all, it's really not necessary. If you want a massive flooder or super spot, you're looking at the wrong light.

In the tasks meant for using a light like an EDC-120P, it is AMPLE bright enough. I think you'll find most people on CPF in agreement with that statement.

This is a very unique light. The ability to program it is fantastic, once you get used to the UI (which is actually quite logical).

I'm very happy with mine, so much so that I will probably get another one in the near future (once the light budget resets--just bought a U2!). The whole package deal--form factor, weight, appearance, switch, beam, programming options--is wonderful. And it's a good feeling to be buying from a "made in USA" manufacturer that really delivers on its promise.

 

[AWGD8]

I finally pulled the trigger guys! I`m getting a 120p! :devil:

 

[DaFABRICATA]

I've been considering it, but would love to see one in person.

It seems like a great product and I hear almost no complaints from its owners.

I'm sure its only a matter of time before I buy one!

 

[jk904jk]

I think that somebody that can afford it should do a test to see how many times the 120p switch can be clicked until failing. You know.....with one of those electric actuator things with a fake finger pushing it on and off.

 

[DaFABRICATA]

Are there switch issues?

Or just for the hell of it?

 

[sawlight]

I was less than pleased with mine initially. I had to clean everything throughly to make it happy. It was nothing bu finicky!!!!
Now, I LOVE it!!! The beam is just about as perfect as you could ask, mine the tint is a bit blue, but for an EDC, it's a nice blend between flood and throw. Grab you're 4D mag and compare them, I dare you!!!
I keep thinking I will reprogram mine, I seem to want 50 lum on the medium setting, but the 30 always works!! The factory low, it is a LOT more useful than you would think!!! I went deer hunting with my dad, it was great for moving around in the woods. We didn't spook anything and still had our night vision to see what was moving come dawn.
I guess I a am large guy, I carry it in my left pocket and it doesn't bother me at all.
It is a bit small for trying to use as a powerful light, you think you should have something larger in you're hands!!
All in all, there is no way I could try to talk someone out of buying one!!!!

 

[jk904jk]

Are there switch issues?

Or just for the hell of it?

just for the hell of it.

 

[skyline_man]

However the clip feels a bit flimsy, so I'm not sure on its durability.

The clip is actually very tough, made of stainless. I know this because i tried to convert it into a lanyard ring by cutting it off where the hole is and drilling another hole just above where the old hole used to be. I went through 2 brand new drill bits and 30 minutes trying to drill that new hole!

 

[mindstretch]

The Novatac fits in the hand better than the Fenix AA, 123 lights I own - the Fenix lights are a bit slippery and the tailcap is not as smooth and responsive as the Novatac. You get a really good grip on the Novatac and the beam is very good and bright. Yes, it is a bit fat and you probably will need a sheath for it because clipping in your pocket won't be that comfortable. I find that the clip gets in the way when I grip it with my hand. Get a sheath with a metal clip on the back so that you can slip it on your belt without any hassles. You probably will need a bigger light if you want anything brighter with a bigger throw.

 

[nMotion96]

The clip is actually very tough, made of stainless. I know this because i tried to convert it into a lanyard ring by cutting it off where the hole is and drilling another hole just above where the old hole used to be. I went through 2 brand new drill bits and 30 minutes trying to drill that new hole!

where you trying to make something like these

http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1238
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3054

 

[Joe Talmadge]

I've been waffling on the Novatac ever since I lost my beloved HDS. To the OP, once I used the UI on the HDS (and by extension, the Novatac), the Fenix's all got shelved. The only thing holding me back is the somewhat differing opinions ... on the one hand, the Novatac is having a great showing on the "best of 2007" thread, on the other, the flickering issues seem common, with a few folks swearing they'll never recommend it because of them. I'll probably end up with a Novatac before long anyway.

 

[xevious]

The switch on the 120P is one of the best I've seen (and felt). It requires just the right amount pressure for momentary on and standard clicking. There isn't a hard mechanical feel to the switch either, giving just enough feedback to be solid. There is an audible sound, but it's slightly muted. I've "clicked the hell" out of mine and it doesn't let up... but, I'd defer to hear from veteran owners like yaesumofo (sorry, I don't know how to pronounce that!), qadsan, sgt. LED, greenLED, oddjob, derek dean, etc.

Also, the flat mounted switch (non-tactical) has just enough protrusion to be useful without extending beyond the switch base rim, so it will tail stand nicely.

As for the flickering, there have been some reports but I've heard Novatac will service it rapidly (FYI covered by warranty). You won't find yourself repeating on this issue either (if reports are accurate), so it's certainly worth putting up with if you win the flicker lottery because the light is a pleasure to own.